|  |  | Summary

Now that you completed this chapter, you should have a firm understanding of the following: One of the most critical factors in ensuring a fast and stable network is the design of the network. If a network is not designed properly, many unforeseen problems may arise, and network growth can be jeopardized. LAN design goals include functionality, scalability, adaptability, and manageability. Network design issues include function and placement of servers, collision detection, segmentation, and bandwidth versus broadcast domains. The design process includes the following: Gathering the users requirements and expectations Determining data traffic patterns now and in the future based on growth and server placements Defining all the Layer 1, 2, and 3 devices, along with the LAN and WAN topology Documenting the physical and logical network implementation
| Case Study
Washington School District Project Task: LAN Design In this chapter, you have learned concepts that will help you begin the design process for the Washington School District network. As part of the LAN design process, you need to complete the following tasks: Gather all information required to design a LAN for your group's assigned site in the Washington School District, starting with the TCS Overview but doing additional research as needed. Design the LAN for your school based on the requirements gathered in step 1, in the context of developing an overall IP addressing scheme for the school district. First, each group will separately develop an IP addressing scheme for the entire school district. This can be done a variety of ways, and diversity is encouraged so the class thinks through the pros and cons of DIFFERENT IP Addressing Schemes. Some ideas to consider are Class A, B, and C networks with proper subnetting; Network Address Translation (NAT), and Private Network numbers. Each group will present their IP addressing scheme and the class will agree on the one best implementation. The class will elect this one group as the Network Operations Center (NOC) contact who will control the distribution of all IP addresses. Once the NOC distributes IP address blocks to school sites, the individual school site groups can assign static and dynamic IP addresses within their individual LANs. Develop and document an overall LAN design based on the user and district requirements. To properly design your site's LAN, complete these tasks: A user requirements document (your interpretation and proposal of what is meant by the TCS Overview, the District and site needs, and your instructor's assignments) An overall design document, which includes a logical LAN design (logical topology) of the school and a complete physical design (physical topology) that includes: - Details of all MDFs/IDFs in the rooms, including a to-scale diagram - The number of HCCs, VCCs, and LAN switch ports required to meet the existing and projected growth needs - LAN Electronics List: what devices (hubs, switches, routers, servers, others) are needed Specifications on the type and quantity of cable media for all horizontal and vertical runs Specifications on security, VLANs, and the separation of staff and student networks The overall district IP addressing scheme and how it is applied at the local school site An analysis of the pros and cons of the proposed LAN design Apply the CCNA Certification Exam Learning Objectives to your specific design. This will require a paragraph on how the learning objectives relate to your design. Learning objectives can be grouped together for the purpose of explanation. In this way, you will be studying for their CCNA Certification Exam as you work through the case study. CCNA Certification Exam Learning Objectives (*** are explicit CCNA Exam objectives; unmarked are knowledge assumed by the exam): OSI model Identify and describe the functions of each of the seven layers of the OSI reference model.*** Describe the different classes of IP addresses [and subnetting].*** Define and explain the 5 conversion steps of data encapsulation.*** Addressing Define and describe the function of a MAC address. Describe data link addresses and network addresses, and identify the key differences between them.*** Identify the functions of the TCP/IP transport-layer protocols.*** Identify the functions of the TCP/IP network-layer protocols.*** Describe the different classes of IP addresses [and subnetting].*** Ethernet Describe network congestion problem in Ethernet networks.*** Describe full- and half-duplex Ethernet operation.*** Describe the features and benefits of Fast Ethernet.*** Describe the guidelines and distance limitations of Fast Ethernet.*** Segmentation Describe LAN segmentation using bridges.*** Describe LAN segmentation using routers.*** Describe LAN segmentation using switches.*** Describe the benefits of network segmentation with bridges.*** Describe the benefits of network segmentation with routers.*** Describe the benefits of network segmentation with switches.*** LAN Switching Name and describe two switching methods.*** Distinguish between cut-through and store-and-forward LAN switching.*** Describe the benefits of virtual LANs.*** Flow Control Define flow control and describe the three basic methods used in networking.***

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